Litia rite for the laity at the cemetery. Funeral litia, performed by a layman at home and in the cemetery

With the revival of spirituality and faith in society, more and more questions arise for newly converted Christians about correct prayer and the order of worship. When visiting church on Sundays and holidays, the parishioner pays attention to the priest’s reading of prayers and thinks about the meaning and content. Often, when you are near the Temple on holidays, you can hear newly converted parishioners talking: “Today the priest read some kind of litiya. Lithium - what is it?

Heritage of the Holy Land

The Holy Land on which Jesus walked gave birth to many traditions of the Orthodox Church. Jerusalem has brought to the modern Christian a sufficient number of opportunities for the salvation of the soul, since it is the place in the world where Christ was crucified and laid in the tomb... It was from this place that the tradition of believers to go in procession began. Initially, it was a walk in Jerusalem through the very places where events that took place more than 2000 years ago radically changed the worldview of mankind and left an imprint on new generations. Since, as a rule, sincerely believing Christians walked through holy places, they accompanied their procession with prayerful singing, which was later called “lithium.” There were two reasons for performing such lithiums: during disasters, epidemics or wars, processions of believers were held, the second reason was large ones, during which holy places were visited and believers worshiped them.

Modern performance of the procession - litia

Lithium is also present in modern Orthodoxy. What this is becomes clear to the Orthodox already from the translation of this word from ancient Greek - “intensified prayer.” Litia is always a procession, usually a “departure” from the Temple. In the modern traditions of the Orthodox Church, the lithium looks like this: at the moment of its celebration, the priests “emerge” from the altar, moving away from it as far as possible. In the temples of Jerusalem they generally went beyond the limits, but in modern execution this is not easy to do, and therefore they are limited to simply moving away from the altar. According to the timing of the lithium, it is performed only at Great Vespers. The content of this prayer is fervent prayer, unchangeable texts, and therefore is pronounced by a priest.

Differences between lithiums pronounced in different temples

Sometimes believers who are not parishioners of one particular temple pay attention to the fact that different words are heard in the litiya texts. This happens because the first thing sung at the litia is the stichera of the temple itself, therefore, in the Assumption Church, the first stichera will be taken from the Assumption service, in the Intercession Church - from the Intercession service. Depending on which temple the believer visited, this stichera will be the first one he will hear. Particular attention is paid to lithium petitions, pronounced during the part of the service called “lithiya”. What this is becomes clear to an Orthodox person from the repeated invocations “Lord, have mercy.” At the third stage of the lithium, the priest says a prayer of adoration, after which there is a return to the temple.

The Place of Intensified Prayer in the Acceptance of Orthodoxy

Intensified prayer - litia, performed at Great Vespers - has extraordinary power. The all-night vigil that accompanies the rite of litia implies a refusal to rest, tireless vigil for the sake of prayer. Any renunciation of one’s needs and desires in the name of the Lord brings the believer closer to God, therefore lithium petitions have a special meaning in the content of the festive service. The parishioners at this moment reach an unprecedented level, united by a single idea, one spirit, for it is truly said: “Where there are two or three in My name, there I am among them...”. A collective request for pardon implies a request not so much for personal needs, but for global needs. During the Easter holiday litia, the blessing of the loaves is carried out; the usual Sunday all-night vigil does not imply this.

Independent prayer-lithium of a lay person

An Orthodox Christian can hear the Litiya not only in church; the Church also implies the recitation of the Litiya at home and in the cemetery. The lithium is read by the believers themselves for deceased relatives. After the soul departs after death, it especially needs the prayers of a Christian. The Church says that instead of drinking alcohol, it is necessary to read prayers, including the rite of lithium. At the request of the living, it will be easier for the deceased person to go through the ordeal; through the prayers of relatives, the soul’s stay in the next world will be made easier. The Litiya, performed by a layman, read at home and in the cemetery, is a simplified, shorter version of the existing Orthodox reading in church during services. It is believed that a deceased person can no longer help himself, since he is unable to do good deeds and pray; he can only desire our prayers for his salvation. Living relatives can help the soul to appease the Lord through their prayers. The simple text of the “home” litia is easy to read, but this still makes such a litia “intensified prayer.” The lithium in the cemetery, like the lithium at home, is read from the missal; all the texts for this rite are also in the Orthodox prayer book.

A powerful weapon for a Christian believer

The most effective weapon in the fight against the forces of evil for a Christian believer is prayer. The holy elders said that when an Orthodox person reads a prayer, the “evil one” runs several meters away from him and is afraid to approach. Help for departed ancestors is also in the power of prayer; lithium is an effective weapon for the soul. What this means for the living and the departed is clear from the importance given to the lithium at festive services and prayers for deceased ancestors: “..his soul will be established in the good, and his memory throughout generation and generation.” Elder Nicholas of Serbia consoled the relatives of the deceased with the fact that prayer is communication with the Lord, and prayer for the dead is also communication with the deceased, asking for them, which brings us closer to dear people. Therefore, the lithium performed for the departed has a special meaning and not only Christian, but also psychological overtones.

Litiya in worship is a service performed with intense prayer outside the church on the occasion of disasters or for the deceased. The Greek word "lithia" in Orthodoxy means fervent prayer performed outside the walls of the temple.

The original purpose of the litiya was the common prayer of people in areas of natural disasters, military and terrorist threats.

The history of the appearance of common prayers

The Great Church of Constantinople held general prayers, which were approved by the Charter, in the event of disasters or their threats to the entire society. Then the Western Church introduces the concept of common prayers during disasters, which has existed in practice since the third century.

The difference between the general prayers of that time and modern services is their character. In the past, prayers were carried out in a joyful and solemn form. The Jerusalem Church of the fourth century practiced nationwide processions in which the prayer service of Vespers was celebrated throughout all the holy places of the city. The Church of Jerusalem ended all Vespers on Sunday with common fervent prayer.

Nowadays, a small remnant remains from the initial petitions, consisting of a prayer and a few songs. In this case, the priests do not go out into the courtyard, but only into the vestibule. During the litia, movement, complete or partial exit from the church is obligatory.

The concept of litia is often replaced by the word “exodus,” during which the priests and deacons exit through the northern gate, making sure to close the Holy Doors of the central entrance.

The deacon is near the priest, he holds a censer. At the front of the procession, servers carry lamps. A choir of singers accompanies the clergy.

When leaving the church, the deacon burns incense on the icons and faces of saints. Leaving the holy place, the temple, the laity humbly show that they recognize themselves as prodigal children, standing before the threshold of the house, before the throne of God.

This action is characterized by repentance and sorrow. The exit of the priesthood from the temple into the porch symbolizes the Grace given by God - the descent of Jesus Christ onto the sinful earth.

The second important meaning of the priesthood going beyond the temple is the appearance of an environment filled with grace to the outside world.

Read about repentance:

Universal prayer can be both national and universal in nature.

Two types of lithium

Church services are divided into several parts. Every Christian needs to know what litia is in worship in order to prepare for it accordingly.

Read about other services in the temple:

General prayer for the laity is served in two different ranks:

• evening;
• funeral

Each rite has its own purpose, united by the symbolic exit of the priests from the church into the narthex, a special annex where the catechumens or the unbaptized pray.

The funeral lithium for the laity is most often read in the cemetery near the grave of the deceased person. Diligent prayers for the deceased differ from funeral services in the time they are held, but have the same mission.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)

Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my intercessor, and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap and from rebellious words, His blanket will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing that passes in darkness, from the cloak and demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you: behold your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not come close to your body. As His angel commanded you, keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but not when you dash your foot against a stone. Tread on the asp and the basilisk, and cross the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver; I will cover and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow, I will destroy him and glorify him; I will fill him with long days, and show him My salvation.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (Thrice)

Troparion, tone 4:

From the spirits of the righteous who have passed away, rest the soul of Your servant, O Savior, preserving it in the blessed life that belongs to You, O Lover of Mankind.

In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the soul of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Thou art God, who descended into hell, and loosed the bonds of the bound, and give rest to Thy servant Himself and the soul.

And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray for his soul to be saved.

Sedalen, voice 5th:

Rest, our Savior, with the righteous of Thy servant, and this one is lodged in Thy courts, as it is written, despising, as Good, his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and all those in knowledge and not in knowledge, Lover of mankind.

Kontakion, tone 8:

With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.

Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man, on earth we were created from the earth, and to the other earth we will go, as you commanded, Who created me and gave me: as you are the earth, and you will go to the earth, and even all men will go, a funeral lament creating a song : alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

It is worthy to eat as you truly bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (Thrice), bless.

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

In the blessed dormition, grant eternal peace, O Lord, to Thy departed servant (name), and create for him eternal memory.

Everlasting memory. (Thrice)

His soul will dwell in the good, and his memory throughout generation and generation.

Evening lithium

The evening lithium is celebrated on Saturday or on holidays during the all-night service.

After the litany, the evening prayer to the Lord sounds.

During the evening service, according to ancient Christian custom, in order to protect their region from disasters, people came out with prayers before God, carrying banners and images in front of the procession.

The solemn prayer procession passed through the squares and streets of the city, sometimes making night circuits of populated areas along the entire perimeter.

With intense petitions, the people humbly appeal to the Lord, begging Him for forgiveness, mercy and protection before impending disasters.

Christians should have strong faith that during such general appeals the Lord will grant His beloved people the blessings they ask for:

• mercy;
• generosity;
• Christian strength.

Christians recognize themselves as sinners, therefore in their prayers they ask for intercession and help from the Most Pure Mother of God, all the saints, starting with John the Baptist and ending with the patron of the temple, its guardian. People proclaim their faith in the Honorable Cross, recognizing Its Life-giving power.

All Orthodox Christians who take part in common prayer are mentally united in spirit in the unity of the Church:

• with the first Apostles;
• universal teachers;
• Saints Cyril and Methodius;
• saints whose graves sanctify the Russian land.

During the solemn litiya, thanksgiving is carried to heaven for the Creator, spiritual fathers, their temple, and their locality.

During solemn general prayer, many Christians ask the Almighty for those traveling in other countries, for healing from diseases incurable by human forces, for the liberation of those captive to the devil by all sorts of addictions and those in obvious captivity.

Lithium outside the temple

When the funeral litia is read

After preparing the deceased person for the funeral, fervent prayers are performed several times:

• when removing the body from the home;
• near the grave before burial;
• after returning from the cemetery.

In the courtyard of the house, where people who want to see off the deceased on his last journey gather, the songs “Wisdom” and “Pureest” are sung. In the absence, for any reason, of a priest at the funeral, the rite of lithium can be read by a layman both near the house and in the cemetery.

The procedure for conducting the last service to the deceased is simple.

1. An akathist is read about the repose of the departed.
2. After a minute of silence, everyone speaks good words about the deceased, remembering his good deeds.
3. The cemetery rite of lithium is read.

The priest begins:

Blessed be our God:

Choir: Amen.

Trisagion, according to Our Father.

Troparion, tone 4

Give rest to the spirits of the righteous departed souls of Thy servant, O Savior, preserving them in the blessed life that belongs to Thee, O Lover of Mankind.

In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the souls of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind.

Glory: Thou art God, Who descended into hell and loosed the bonds of the bound, Who give rest to the souls of Thy servant.

And now: One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without seed, pray for their souls to be saved.

Litany: God have mercy on us...

Priest: We also pray for the repose of the souls of the departed servants of God (name), and for them to be forgiven for every sin, voluntary and involuntary.

Choir: Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Priest: For may the Lord God grant their souls, where the righteous may rest.

Choir: Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Priest: We ask for the mercy of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from the Immortal King and our God.

Chorus: Lord grant.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord,

Choir: Lord have mercy.

Priest's prayer:

God of spirits and all flesh, having trampled down death and abolished the devil, and given life to Thy world! Lord Himself, give rest to the souls of Your departed servants (names), in a brighter place, in a greener place, in a calm place, from where sickness, sadness and sighing have escaped. Every sin committed by them, in word, or deed, or thought, as the Good Lover of Mankind, God forgives, as there is no man who will live and will not sin, for You are the only one, besides sin, Your truth is righteousness forever, and Your word is truth.

Exclamation: For You are the Resurrection, and the life, and the rest of Your departed servants...

Kontakion, tone 8

With the saints, rest your souls, O Christ, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.

Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man: We were created on earth from the earth, and we will go to the other earth, as Thou Who created me and gave to me commanded: For Thou art the earth and returned to the earth, and even all men will go, creating a funeral lamentation song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Priest: Rest, O Lord, to the souls of your departed servants.

Choir: Rest, O Lord, to the souls of your departed servants.

Priest: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Chorus: And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Priest: Wisdom. Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Choir: Most honorable Cherub and most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption, we magnify Thee as the real Mother of God.

Priest: Glory to Thee, Christ God, our hope, Glory to Thee.

Choir: Glory and Now. Lord have mercy (three times), bless.

Priest: dismissal

Possess the living and the dead, Risen from the dead, Christ our true God...

Priest: In the blessed dormition, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your departed servant (name) and create for them eternal memory.

Choir: Eternal memory (Thrice). Their souls will be established in the good, and their memory will last forever.

The difference between a lithium and a memorial service

The funeral lithium is served only on the day of the funeral of the deceased.

The memorial service is performed in the church, as a rule, after the Liturgy; the time of its holding is confirmed with the clergy.

A memorial service is a deep prayer for the deceased, which can be repeated several times.

Both at a memorial service and a proskomedia, notes about deceased people can be submitted regularly throughout the entire period.

Watch the video about lithium

The funeral lithium is a very important part of the Orthodox service. If you translate it from Greek, you get fervent prayer. Church canons prescribe that it should be performed exclusively outside the church. Lithiums can vary both in rank and content.

If you delve into the essence of Orthodox worship, you can understand that the reason for performing litia for the laity, as a rule, is either the arrival of a holiday on Saturday, or the invasion of some misfortune of a mass nature.

In these cases, a fervent prayer appeal to the Lord is sung in the central square of the city. It is performed by a clergyman in front of a large crowd of people.

About the history of lithium performed by a layman

The original purpose of lithium is a prayer offered in public places when some kind of threat arises, an approaching disaster, or a defeat suffered. However, in addition to this, there were also similar services of a joyful and solemn character. Venues outside the city were selected for their holding.

Special conditions for the development of this type of worship were created in the Jerusalem Church. There, the rite of litia was an integral part of all Sunday suppers held in places distinguished by holiness.

In today's realities, only a small part of the fervent prayers that flourished in the old days in the territory of Jerusalem remains. They included prayers, special rituals and songs. Today, this ritual mainly consists only of the ceremonial entrance of the clergy into the vestibule.

Particular attention should be paid to the litiya for the departed for the laity. The designated type was established specifically for offering prayers for those who have passed into another world. As a rule, it is performed at the moment the coffin is taken out of the house, but can be held at any other time and in any place if the relatives want it.

The most suitable places for the laity to perform the lithium are considered to be his home after returning from the burial and the cemetery where it took place.

Funeral lithium

When ready, the body of the deceased is transported to the temple. When the coffin is taken out of the house, a funeral service must be read, corresponding to the rite of an ordinary litiya. At the same time, “Wisdom” is proclaimed, after which “Pureest” is sung. In the old days, our ancestors performed seven bows before removing the body, but today almost no one follows this tradition.

Lithium at the cemetery

Cemeteries, in accordance with the canons of the church, are the holiest places. They preserve the bodies of the deceased in their depths until the coming Sunday. A visit to a cemetery must be accompanied by lighting a candle and performing a lithium prayer.

The rite of litia, performed by a layman at home and in the cemetery, is usually short. But to conduct a full-fledged ceremony, it is better to involve a clergyman.

How this is done by a layman in a cemetery:

1. An akathist is read about the repose of the departed.
2. Some time is spent in silence. At the same time, all the good deeds and character traits of the deceased are remembered.
3. The rite of litia intended for the cemetery is read.

Text of the rite of lithium for the cemetery:

“Through the prayers of our saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything. Treasure of good things and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice.)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord have mercy. (12 times.)

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow.)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow.)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow.)"

This funeral lithium performed by a layman at home and in the cemetery should be carried out three times:

• When a body is taken out of the house.
• At burial.
• After returning home from the cemetery.

• This time in the cemetery is not intended for eating or drinking alcoholic beverages.
• By leaving a glass of vodka covered with a piece of bread on the grave, you are paying tribute to pagan customs. After all, this relic came from there. According to the Orthodox Church, such an act insults the memory of the deceased.
• Instead of leaving food at the grave, it is better to give it to beggars or animals.

Litia for the dead is a powerful weapon of Orthodox Christianity

Today, as in the old days, prayerful appeal to the Lord is assigned the role of the most effective weapon against evil forces that a believing Orthodox Christian wields. According to the holy elders, the evil one runs headlong from a believer who reads a prayer and does not even make any attempt to get closer.

Intensified prayer has a beneficial influence both on the soul of the deceased person and on the one who remembers him. Church services pay special attention to the memory of deceased people. The clergy say that if prayer is an appeal to God, then litia is a request to the Almighty for the dead and communication with them. Through such prayer a person draws closer not only to the Lord, but also to his neighbors.

We must remember the important meaning of the funeral litia for the dead - not only as an attribute of the Christian faith, but also from the point of view of the psychological and spiritual state.

Cemeteries are sacred places where the bodies of the dead are buried until a future resurrection.
Even according to the laws of pagan states, tombs were considered sacred and inviolable.
From deep pre-Christian antiquity there is a custom of marking burial places by building a hill above it.
Having adopted this custom, the Christian Church decorates the grave mound with the victorious sign of our salvation - the Holy Life-Giving Cross, inscribed on the tombstone or placed above the tombstone.
We call our dead departed, not dead, because at a certain time they will rise from the grave.

The grave is the place of future resurrection, and therefore it is necessary to keep it clean and orderly.
The cross on the grave of an Orthodox Christian is a silent preacher of blessed immortality and resurrection. Planted in the ground and rising towards the sky, it signifies the faith of Christians that the body of the deceased is here in the earth, and the soul is in heaven, that under the cross is hidden a seed that grows for eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

The cross on the grave is placed at the feet of the deceased so that the Crucifix is ​​facing the face of the deceased.
We must especially ensure that the cross on the grave is not askew, that it is always painted, clean and well-groomed.
A simple, modest cross made of metal or wood is more appropriate for the grave of an Orthodox Christian than expensive monuments and tombstones made of granite and marble.

Arriving at the cemetery, you need to light a candle and perform a lithium (this word literally means intense prayer. To perform the rite of lithium in commemoration of the dead, you must invite a priest. A shorter rite, which can also be performed by lay people, is given below “The rite of lithium performed by a layman at home and to the cemetery").

If you wish, you can read an akathist about the repose of the departed. Then clean up the grave or simply remain silent and remember the deceased. There is no need to eat or drink in a cemetery; it is especially unacceptable to pour vodka into a grave mound - this insults the memory of the deceased. The custom of leaving a glass of vodka and a piece of bread at the grave “for the deceased” is a relic of paganism and should not be observed in Orthodox families. There is no need to leave food on the grave; it is better to give it to the beggar or the hungry.

The rite of litia performed by a layman at home and in the cemetery

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything. Treasure of good things and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord have mercy. (Thrice.)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord have mercy. (12 times.)
Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow.)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow.)
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow.)

Psalm 90

Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my Protector and my Refuge. My God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap, and from rebellious words, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing that passes in darkness, from the cloak, and from the demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will fall at your right hand, but it will not come close to you, otherwise you will look at your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body, as His Angel commanded you to keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but not when you dash your foot on a stone, step on an asp and a basilisk, and cross a lion and a serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in sorrow, I will overcome him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to You, God (three times).
From the spirits of the righteous who have passed away, rest the soul of Your servant, O Savior, preserving it in the blessed life that belongs to You, O Lover of Mankind.
In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the soul of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: You are God, who descended into hell and loosed the bonds of those who were bound. May you and your servant rest in peace.
And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen: One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray for his soul to be saved.

Kontakion, tone 8:

With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.

Ikos:

Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man: we were created on earth from the earth, and let us go to the same earth, as Thou Who Created me commanded, and He who spoke unto me: as Thou art the earth, and unto the earth thou hast gone, and even all men may go, creating a song of mourning at the grave: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy (three times) bless.
Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
In blessed dormition, grant eternal peace. Lord, Thy departed servant (name) and create for him eternal memory.
Everlasting memory (three times).
His soul will dwell in the good, and his memory throughout generation and generation.

Prayer for a deceased Christian

Remember, O Lord our God, in the faith and hope of the eternal life of Your departed servant, our brother (name), and as Good and Lover of mankind, forgiving sins and consuming untruths, weaken, forsake and forgive all his voluntary and involuntary sins, deliver him eternal torment and fire of Gehenna, and grant him the communion and enjoyment of Your eternal good things, prepared for those who love You: even if you sin, do not depart from You, and undoubtedly in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Your glorified God in the Trinity, Faith, and Unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in Unity, Orthodox even until his last breath of confession. Be merciful to him, and faith, even in You instead of deeds, and with Your saints, as You give generous rest: for there is no man who will live and not sin. But You are the One besides all sin, and Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and You are the One God of mercies and generosity, and love for mankind, and to You we send glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Widower's Prayer

Christ Jesus, Lord and Almighty! In contrition and tenderness of my heart, I pray to You: rest, O Lord, the soul of Your departed servant (name), in Your Heavenly Kingdom. Lord Almighty! You blessed the marital union of husband and wife, when you said: it is not good for man to be alone, let us create for him a helper for him. You have sanctified this union in the image of the spiritual union of Christ with the Church. I believe, Lord, and confess that You have blessed me to unite me in this holy union with one of Your handmaids. By your good and wise will you deigned to take away from me this servant of yours, whom you have given to me as a helper and companion of my life. I bow before Your will, and I pray to You with all my heart, accept my prayer for Your servant (name), and forgive her if you sin in word, deed, thought, knowledge and ignorance; Love earthly things more than heavenly things; Even if you care more about the clothing and decoration of your body than about the enlightenment of the clothing of your soul; or even careless about your children; if you upset anyone by word or deed; If there is a grudge in your heart against your neighbor or condemn someone or anything else you have done from such evil people. Forgive her all this, for she is good and philanthropic; for there is no man who will live and not sin. Do not enter into judgment with Thy servant, as Thy creation, do not condemn her to eternal torment for her sin, but have mercy and mercy according to Thy great mercy. I pray and ask You, Lord, to grant me strength throughout the days of my life, without ceasing to pray for Your departed servant, and even until the end of my life to ask her from You, the Judge of the whole world, to forgive her sins. Yes, as if You, God, placed a crown of stone on her head, crowning her here on earth; Thus crown me with Thy eternal glory in Thy Heavenly Kingdom, with all the saints who rejoice there, so that together with them He may forever sing Thy all-holy name with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Widow's Prayer

Christ Jesus, Lord and Almighty! You are the consolation of the weeping, the intercession of the orphans and widows. You said: call on Me in the day of your sorrow, and I will destroy you. In the days of my sorrow, I run to You and pray to You: do not turn Your face away from me and hear my prayer brought to You with tears. You, Lord, Master of all, have deigned to unite me with one of Your servants, so that we may be one body and one spirit; You gave me this servant as a companion and protector. It was Your good and wise will that you would take this servant of Yours away from me and leave me alone. I bow before Your will and I resort to You in the days of my sorrow: quench my sorrow about separation from Your servant, my friend. Even if you took him away from me, do not take your mercy away from me. Just as you once accepted two mites from widows, so accept this prayer of mine. Remember, Lord, the soul of Your departed servant (name), forgive him all his sins, voluntary and involuntary, whether in word, or in deed, or in knowledge and ignorance, do not destroy him with his iniquities and do not consign him to eternal torment, but according to Your great mercy and according to the multitude of Thy compassions, weaken and forgive all his sins and commit them with Thy saints, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life. I pray and ask You, Lord, grant that all the days of my life I will not cease to pray for Your departed servant, and even before my departure, ask You, the Judge of the whole world, to forgive all his sins and place him in the Heavenly abodes, which You have prepared for those who love Cha. For even if you sin, do not depart from You, and undoubtedly the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are Orthodox even to your last breath of confession; impute to him the same faith, even in You, instead of works: for there is no man who will live and not sin, You are the only one besides sin, and Your righteousness is righteousness forever. I believe, Lord, and confess that You will hear my prayer and do not turn Your face away from me. Seeing a widow weeping green, you were merciful, and you brought her son to the grave, carrying her to the grave; How did You open to Your servant Theophilus, who went to You, the doors of Your mercy and forgave him for his sins through the prayers of Your Holy Church, heeding the prayers and alms of his wife: here and I pray to You, accept my prayer for Your servant and bring him into eternal life. For You are our hope. You are God, the hedgehog to have mercy and save, and we send glory to You with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Parents' prayer for deceased children

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, Lord of life and death, Comforter of the afflicted! With a contrite and tender heart I run to You and pray to You: remember. Lord, in Your Kingdom your deceased servant (your servant), my child (name), and create for him (her) eternal memory. You, Lord of life and death, have given me this child. It was your good and wise will to take it away from me. Blessed be Thy name, O Lord. I pray to You, Judge of heaven and earth, with Your endless love for us sinners, forgive my deceased child all his sins, voluntary and involuntary, in word, in deed, in knowledge and ignorance. Forgive, O Merciful One, our parental sins as well, so that they may not remain on our children: we know that we have sinned many times before You, many of whom we have not observed, and have not done, as You commanded us. If our deceased child, ours or his own, for the sake of guilt, lived in this life, working for the world and his flesh, and not more than You, the Lord and his God: if you loved the delights of this world, and not more than Your Word and Your commandments, if you surrendered with the pleasures of life, and not more than with contrition for one’s sins, and in intemperance, vigil, fasting and prayer have been given over to oblivion - I earnestly pray to Thee, forgive, most good Father, all such sins of my child, forgive and weaken, even if you have done other evil in this life . Christ Jesus! You raised up the daughter of Jairus through the faith and prayer of her father. You healed the daughter of the Canaanite wife through faith and the request of her mother: hear my prayer, and do not despise my prayer for my child. Forgive, Lord, forgive all his sins and, having forgiven and cleansed his soul, remove eternal torment and dwell with all Your saints, who have pleased You from the ages, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life: like there is no man like He will live and will not sin, but You are the only One besides all sin: so that when you judge the world, my child will hear Your most beloved voice: come, blessed of My Father, and inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For You are the Father of mercies and generosity. You are our life and resurrection, and we send glory to You with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Children's prayer for deceased parents

Lord Jesus Christ our God! You are the keeper of the orphans, the refuge of the grieving and the comforter of the weeping. I come running to you, an orphan, groaning and crying, and I pray to you: hear my prayer and do not turn your face away from the sighs of my heart and from the tears of my eyes. I pray to You, merciful Lord, satisfy my grief over separation from my parent (my mother), (name) (or: with my parents who gave birth and raised me, their names) - , and his soul (or: her, or: them), as having gone (or: gone) to You with true faith in You and with firm hope in Your love for mankind and mercy, accept into Your Kingdom of Heaven. I bow before Your holy will, which was taken away (or: taken away, or: taken away) from me, and I ask You not to take away from him (or: from her, or: from them) Your mercy and mercy. We know, Lord, that You are the Judge of this world, you punish the sins and wickedness of the fathers in children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even to the third and fourth generation: but you also have mercy on the fathers for the prayers and virtues of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With contrition and tenderness of heart, I pray to Thee, merciful Judge, do not punish with eternal punishment the unforgettable deceased (unforgettable deceased) for me Thy servant (Thy servant), my parent (my mother) (name), but forgive him (her) all his sins ( her) voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, knowledge and ignorance, created by him (her) in his (her) life here on earth, and according to Your mercy and love for mankind, prayers for the sake of the Most Pure Mother of God and all the saints, have mercy on him (her) and eternal save me from torment. You, merciful Father of fathers and children! Grant me, all the days of my life, until my last breath, not to cease to remember my deceased parent (my deceased mother) in my prayers, and to beg Thee, the righteous Judge, to order him in a place of light, in a place of coolness and in a place of peace, with all the saints, from nowhere all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled. Merciful Lord! Accept this day for Thy servant (Your) (name) my warm prayer and give him (her) Your reward for the labors and cares of my upbringing in faith and Christian piety, as He taught (taught) me first of all to lead You, my Lord, in reverently pray to You, trust in You alone in troubles, sorrows and illnesses and keep Your commandments; for his (her) concern for my spiritual progress, for the warmth of his (her) prayer for me before You and for all the gifts he (she) asked me from You, reward him (her) with Your mercy. Your heavenly blessings and joys in Your eternal Kingdom. For You are the God of mercies and generosity and love for mankind, You are the peace and joy of Your faithful servants, and we send glory to You with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)

Psalm 90/>

Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my intercessor, and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap and from rebellious words, His blanket will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing that passes in darkness, from the cloak and demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you: behold your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not come close to your body. As His angel commanded you, keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but not when you dash your foot against a stone. Tread on the asp and the basilisk, and cross the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver; I will cover and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow, I will destroy him and glorify him; I will fill him with long days, and show him My salvation.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to You, O God. (Thrice)

Troparion, tone 4:/>

From the spirits of the righteous who have passed away, rest the soul of Your servant, O Savior, preserving it in the blessed life that belongs to You, O Lover of Mankind.

In Thy chamber, O Lord, where all Thy saints rest, rest also the soul of Thy servant, for Thou art the only Lover of mankind.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Thou art God, who descended into hell, and loosed the bonds of the bound, and give rest to Thy servant Himself and the soul.

And now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

One Pure and Immaculate Virgin, who gave birth to God without a seed, pray for his soul to be saved.

Sedalen, voice 5th:/>

Rest, our Savior, with the righteous of Thy servant, and this one is lodged in Thy courts, as it is written, despising, as Good, his sins, voluntary and involuntary, and all those in knowledge and not in knowledge, Lover of mankind.

Kontakion, tone 8:/>

With the saints, rest, O Christ, the soul of Your servant, where there is no sickness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life.

Ikos:/>

Thou art the One Immortal One, who created and created man, on earth we were created from the earth, and to the other earth we will go, as you commanded, Who created me and gave me: as you are the earth, and you will go to the earth, and even all men will go, a funeral lament creating a song : alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

It is worthy to eat as you truly bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy (Thrice), bless.

Through the prayers of the saints, our fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

In the blessed dormition, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to Thy departed servant. (Name), and create eternal memory for him.

Everlasting memory. (Thrice)

His soul will dwell in the good, and his memory throughout generation and generation.